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Boring Info for Lazy People
Every week I pick up Scene at my local watering hole, and I read many of the features, including Cecil Adams's The Straight Dope. And every week I wonder why there are people who are too lazy to research a question themselves but have the energy to e-mail, write, or call Adams and ask him a question. The interesting spot on Preparation H [March 4] was not only old news and boring, it was nothing any savvy Internet surfer couldn't have found on an urban legends website.

Please, could you tell me what is so straight about the dope that Adams delivers? I don't see any life-changing information in his columns--not even pertinent useless information. I feel that The Straight Dope is nothing but watered-down space waste that could easily be filled with a blown-up Jesus of the Week--at least Peter Gilstrap's work contains social commentary that inspires thought and even a few chuckles.

A. Patunas
Lyndhurst

No One Cares What Sex You Are
I have a response to the letter titled "Leave your Libido at the Door" [March 4]. Basically it left me wondering and shaking my head. Why do people get so incensed about stupid crap? Here's what I mean. I am a professional musician. I am classically trained, and I also play in a local band. If some reviewer came to our show and noticed that the drummer of our band was fat or had a bad outfit on--but also noticed that he could play well--then right on. If someone wants to comment about how an entertainer looks as well as how he/she plays, then who cares? Are we not allowed to notice someone whom we feel to be attractive--or unattractive for that matter? I just don't understand why someone would get all upset about something so trite.

As far as someone referring to Alanis's voice as being whiny, I've got news for you--it is whiny. It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she is a woman. That's just how she sounds. Whiny and annoying. I've heard plenty of male voices sound the same way. It seems to me that you have a hang-up with the feminist thing. Relax; people aren't out to get you and compare you to men. This is the late '90s, and no one cares what sex you are. So you go to the shows and enjoy the music, and someone else can go to the shows and enjoy the "cute small red dress." Guess what? Liz Phair will go home with her twenty bucks from both of you.

C. Young
Cleveland

Reading From the Letter of Paul
Hats off to David Martin for his feature on the beloved Paul Westerberg ["Saint Paul," March 4]. As a longtime fan of Westerberg, it was nice to see the focus on Paul the well-accomplished musician and not Paul the Replacement. I would also like to comment on the total consistency/expansion of your music section. I think it's fantastic that you have remained Cleveland's music publication, even throughout your dramatic changes.

Melissa Bukowski
Parma

Belinda's Gets Its Due
Surprise, surprise: Cleveland's entertainment media are aware that Belinda's Nightclub exists ["Yo Quiero Thump Thump," March 4]. It's about time that someone profiled this place. It offers a great place for Latinos to get together and celebrate a shared culture, and it cannot be beat for great music and a good time. I am thrilled to see it is getting some attention, and it would be great to see some fresh faces as a result of the write-up. You don't have to speak Spanish to feel comfortable there; the atmosphere is inviting, and all are welcome. Now, some more news that affects the Latin-American community would be even better.

S. Taylor
Lakewood

Thanks for Change
I'd like to thank Scene for the changes made. Not only are the free musicians' ads a great way to support the local scene, but the layout and articles have greatly improved. Many more years to come!